Pregnancy and VHL, by Yasser Y. El-Sayed, M.D., Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center
- An excellent review of the literature with guidance for women with VHL from an expert in caring for mothers and babies in high-risk situations

"It is critically important to communicate fully with the doctor . . . even if you have no previous symptoms or no clear diagnosis of VHL. This information can make the difference between life and death for mother and child. . . . The patient, family, and medical team need to work closely together."

Three companion articles from women with VHL about their experiences with pregnancy. (All these stories have happy endings!)

Adventures in Pregnancy, by Pat T., Michigan

Karen's Story, by Karen H., Pennsylvania

Renée's Story, by Renée S., Ontario

Laura's Story, by Laura H., Massachusetts

VHLFA Down Under, by Don M., Mississippi
Eva Logan Honored for her work on the Hotline
Two Meetings in 2002:
- Update on VHL in Cleveland October 2002
- Padua Call for Papers, June 2002
Celebrating 50 years of Brain Research,
by Deborah C., Michigan
Carrying the Olympic Torch: Larry Bennett Honored
DNA Testing Update:
- More rapid results in England
- New source in Hungary
- Four sites now offer near-100% reliability
California coverage for people with VHL under GHPP
David’s Marathon, by David I., California
- David and his friend Marilyn completed the Portland Marathon

Debbie M. from Florida, found the Palo Alto meeting "wonderful and very encouraging. The conference is a must for anyone who has never had the chance to meet someone in person who is handling all the medical issues and the stress related to VHL and to see how everyone really strives to go in positive directions."

Dr. Michiel Innes, a geneticist from Alberta, Canada, "enjoyed it tremendously. As a geneticist I often find myself playing the role of case coordinator and patient advocate so hearing and learning so much from a patient perspective was very rewarding. Things have already paid off as two days after my return I saw a woman in my general genetics clinic who almost certainly has VHL and I certainly felt prepared!"

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 9:4, Annual Report 2001. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org. Further information is available from the VHL Family Alliance, info@vhl.org.